Car Rentals in California, USA

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Top Rental Car Deals in California

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

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Lowest prices found within the past 8 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in California?
Within the past seven days in California, you could have driven off in a rental for as low as £53 per day.
What happens if I need to cancel my California car reservation?
Our Customer Service Portal has details about this. In most situations, complete refunds are provided if a reservation is cancelled a minimum of six hours prior to the pick-up time. Be sure to read the rental policy to double-check if there are any exceptions.
What types of cars can I rent in California?
Cost-effective, a breeze to handle and with excellent mileage, it's no surprise that compact vehicles are the most in-demand rental type in California. Explore this city in one of these and you'll be able to slide into tight parking spaces and easily dart around busy streets. A compact is ideal for city escapes or shorter road trips. But they're not your only options. Go even smaller with an economy ride or bigger with an intermediate, a full-size or premium --- the choice is all yours!
Where can I go on a road trip from California?
California is full of adventures, but don't limit yourself to just the one place. Organise a set of wheels and head off to discover what else awaits in the wider area. Here are a few places to choose from:
  • You'll discover White House and countless other interesting sights in Washington. From California, it's 50 miles away.
  • Located 70 miles away, Baltimore is also a favourite with wanderers. Allow time to get to National Aquarium in Baltimore while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love this city.
  • Atlantic City Beach is 130 miles from California and is one of the region's most spectacular nature spots. Go for a walk around and enjoy the fresh air here.

How do I find the best car hire deals in California with Expedia?
Browse our fantastic selection of rental cars, check out reviews and compare prices from top brands. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you get the best deal on your wheels. Got a flight or hotel booking? Add on your California car hire and save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in California?
Drivers 21 and above can hit the highway in California in a rental vehicle. If you're a young motorist, a daily surcharge will apply. You'll usually be restricted to a few car categories, such as economy and compact, and may also have to purchase inclusive insurance. Be sure to enter the correct age of the primary driver when booking to learn if any restrictions or extra fees apply.
What do you need to hire a car in California?
Before you can hop behind the wheel in California, you'll need a driver's license and a credit card. If you decline to take out the company's insurance plan, you may also have to provide proof of alternative coverage. Rules may vary, so read the policy terms and conditions before you select a rental supplier.
What is the cheapest car hire in California?
£53 and £67 were the lowest daily rates for rental vehicles in California within the past seven days. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in California?
Visit our long-term car hire deals page, enter your preferences and then lock in your perfect ride. Whether you're stopping in California or road-tripping about, Expedia will help you find a long-term hire at a fabulous rate.
Where can I find a California hire car if I am younger than 25?
Whether or not you can hire a vehicle if you are under 25 in California often depends on the rental provider you choose. Some places apply a surcharge for young customers aged between 21 and 24 years, however others may not apply any additional fees for this age group. It'd be wise to go through the terms and conditions of your preferred car company to escape extra charges at the hire desk.
Can I drive in California with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in the United States, you might need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before hiring a car. If you find that an IDP is required for you to drive in the U.S, know that you'll also have to show your valid driver's license and your passport or other form of ID. Lastly, the credit card that was used to hire the car must match the name on your license and passport in order to finalize your car hire. Other things you should know about hiring a car in the U.S. Are:
  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be 25 or older in most states to be able to hire a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as the hire car website before you go to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the fine print before you leave the lot so you can avoid unnecessary fees. When hiring a car in the United States, you typically can't cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, drive on ferries or traverse certain types of rugged terrain with a hired car. Please read all the rules and regulations before booking!

Why should I rent a California car with Expedia?
You'll pick up an amazing deal on your set of wheels with Expedia. Economy or full-size, you'll find your dream ride from one of the multiple rental companies in California. Our exclusive offers, rewards programmes and member prices will help you get the most bang for your buck. And if you'd like to save more, combine your bookings into a holiday package. Add a hotel or flights to your rental car reservation and unlock fantastic discounts! Plus, when you're a member of our One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible hotels, flights, car rentals and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£53
Our second best deal of the day:
£67
Our third best deal of the day:
£68
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation